Category Archives: Nature Notes

By Sydney Chandler Most people don’t likely jump at the suggestion to explore a garden of grass. But visitors to the Oriental Grasses have the special opportunity to meet a variety of quirky characters. The garden has a pulse, and … Continue reading →

By Greg Lecker Exploring an August Prairie is an experience for all the senses.  Sounds abound – birds, but mostly cicadas.  Cicadas can be surprisingly loud, especially at close range.  Their calling is temperature dependent – signifying temperatures in the … Continue reading →

By Mary Beth Pottratz Puffs of cumulus clouds dot a deep blue sky. The light breeze wisps away any mosquitoes. I had waited until afternoon for plants to dry out, and even the dew point and temperature make for pleasant … Continue reading →

By Greg Lecker Like many recent days, clouds are spectacular this morning.  What appear to be heavily water-laden clouds partially obscure the morning rising sun.  Rim light adds silver borders to the sky patterns. We could use some rain – … Continue reading →

By Sydney Chandler The sun is a welcome feature of summer, but on this toasty morning it necessitated shade. A short stroll through the woods to the Shade Tree Exhibit was the perfect respite. The bright blue sky fought for … Continue reading →

By Holly Einess The morning is overcast and cool, and a hike along the Ridge Trail seems in order. Immediately I leave the crowds behind as I enter the woods just east of the Snyder Building; sadly, a few deer … Continue reading →